Right in the centre of London, the Postal Museum and Mail Rail offer visitors a fascinating journey through the history of the British postal system. With interactive exhibits and the rather unusual Mail Rail ride, this family-friendly museum is an exploration of postal deliveries over the centuries. An ideal destination for history buffs and curious minds of all ages.
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A Trip Through Postal History
Run by the Postal Heritage Trust, the Postal Museum is a tribute to over 500 years of history. It chronicles the story of Royal Mail, from the early days when the service was reserved for the monarchy, to the creation of the Post Office as we know it today. It takes in the introduction of postage stamps, wartime changes, and much more.
The museum is located close to the central Mount Pleasant sorting office, which has been in use since the mid-19th century, and which was once one of the largest postal centres in the world. A highlight of any visit is a trip on the Mail Rail train, a ride through the hidden tunnels that once connected Mount Pleasant to London’s network of sorting offices.
Mail Rail: A Journey Through Time
Most visitors start with a timed trip on the Mail Rail, perhaps the most exciting part of the experience. A short walk from the museum itself, this offers a thrilling ride on a miniature train through the original tunnels of the underground railway that transported post across London until 2003. Originally built in 1914, the system used driverless, electric trains, designed to carry letters and parcels rather than people.
A journey on the Mail Rail involves squeezing yourself into one of the small trains and riding through the tunnels. The 15-minute ride is accompanied by a narration of the railway’s history, recounting how it once facilitated the swift transport of mail. As the train stops at various points, visitors are treated to light shows and stories about the railway’s operational days.
After the ride, you can walk around the exhibition area. This includes interactive exhibits: you could try operating a model train or sorting mail in a moving carriage. For those who are unable to ride in the train, or who don’t wish to do so, there is also an accessible Mail Rail exhibit.
Postal Museum
Then it is time to walk up the road to the small but interesting Postal Museum. Highlights of the museum include displays of historic postage stamps, vintage post boxes, and an early stage coach once used to move mail around the country. Visitors can learn about the innovations of postal workers like Roland Hill, who introduced the penny post, and see how the Post Office supported soldiers during the First World War.
The museum also hosts interactive exhibits, making it an enjoyable visit for families. And there are various temporary exhibitions relating to different aspects of the history of the postal service.
How To Visit The Postal Museum And Mail Rail
- The Postal Museum and Mail Rail are on Phoenix Place, just a couple of minutes’ walk from one other. The nearest underground stations are Farringdon, Russell Square, King’s Cross St Pancras or Chancery Lane.
- It is recommended to visit the Mail Rail first, and to book tickets in advance to guarantee a particular time slot.
- Your ticket allows one ride on the Mail Rail but unlimited access to the Postal Museum for one year.
- The museum is closed on Mondays.
- The Mail Rail trains are not accessible to anyone of reduced mobility, and may not be advisable if you are sensitive to flashing lights or small spaces. (For such visitors, the accessible exhibit offers a similar immersive experience without the need to board the train.)
- Wheelchairs can can access all parts of the museum except the trains.
- Bags and bulky items must be stored in lockers before boarding the train.
- At certain times it is possible to join in a Tunnel Walk for a more detailed exploration of the tunnels.
- Families can enjoy the Postal Play Space, described as an “immersive mini-town with streets, buildings, trolleys, pulleys, slides and chutes”, but a separate ticket is required.
- The museum features a gift shop stocked with postal-themed souvenirs. There is also a café.
- Looking for more unusual experiences in London? Have a read of this post – 20 Unique Things To Do In London.
